THE JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

Abstract

<h3>ORGANIC PHOSPHORUS COMPOUNDS</h3> The organic compounds of phosphorus present little difference in nutritive value so far as the phosphorus is concerned, since they are all decomposed in digestion and absorbed as inorganic phosphates. What differences exist depend on the differing nutritive power of the organic compounds with which they are combined. A well-known physiologic chemist says:¹"The value of the organic phosphorus compounds in nutrition entirely depends on the nature of the organic matter with which the phosphoric acid is combined." This statement may come as a surprise to many who have heard the supposed virtues of "organic phosphorus" lauded in emphatic terms. We have already pointed out²that without question the organic phosphorus compounds can be built up in the animal body from inorganic phosphate. Both organic and inorganic phosphorus compounds can therefore be utilized in the organism; but mere feeding experiments with the organic types do